One of New Zealand's biggest summer music festivals - Bay Dreams - will not go ahead in 2025 as promoters struggle to draw big artists into the country.

The organisers had hoped to book Kendrick Lamar as a headliner, but a successful 2024 for the rapper meant the costs to bring him here doubled.

Rhythm and Alps founder and director Alex Turnbull says many brands are putting themselves in a 'dangerous' position by relying too heavily on big names.

"There are so many more lines that contribute to a festival brand - such as the experience, that's a really key thing. Whether it's the biggest festival that's been cancelled, I'm really not sure." 

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